The Volkswagen Golf family features a slew of slick hatches, ranging from the standard model to the GTI and the always engaging hardcore R. We have already featured spy photos of the former two variants being put through their paces by the German automaker and now we have the first ever shots of the all-new Golf R prototype testing on the roads of Europe. What gives this hatchback away as a test mule for the Golf R is its signature wheels, bigger brakes and low-profile tires.

A bigger and lower-sitting grille gives away what appears to be an intercooler and a radar sensor for adaptive cruise control. Taking a look at the rear-end of the prototype, we can see four exhaust tips, twice the number of the current Golf R's setup. The current generation Golf R runs on a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which produces 256 horsepower. The next generation hot hatch should retain the same powertrain, albeit revised for more power. It will be mated to a 6-speed manual or DSG transmission with power being sent to all four wheels.

Further changes for the next generation Golf R include Volkswagen's new and extremely flexible MQB chassis. The 2014 Golf should save about 150lbs vs. the current model thanks to the new platform. The 2014 Volkswagen Golf is scheduled to make its official debut next month at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The Golf R should arrive later next year.